What is considered the ideal capacity of a road in vehicle per hour?

The ideal capacity of a road is influenced by a variety of factors including road design, type of vehicles using the road, traffic control measures, and the prevailing traffic conditions. A capacity of 2000 vehicles per hour (vph) is often considered optimal for a lane of highway under ideal conditions. This capacity allows for a balance between efficiency and safety, as it facilitates smooth traffic flow while minimizing congestion and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

This figure represents a standard that engineering design often targets when planning for urban roads and highways. It takes into account the dimensions and space of vehicles, the speed of travel, and the need for safety buffers between vehicles. When capacities exceed this level, it can lead to increased congestion, longer travel times, and higher chances of collisions, which is not ideal for roadway operations.

Higher figures, such as 2500 vph or 3000 vph, may be theoretically considered under optimal engineering circumstances, but they do not accurately reflect the practical capacity that can be sustained without experiencing negative effects on traffic flow and safety. Hence, the recognition of 2000 vph is consistent with common civil engineering standards and guidelines for road capacity evaluation.